The Trump White House offers a television show with strategy changes. Trump attacked Zelensky before restarting aid to Ukraine. Later he had a friendly event with European leaders. Trump prioritizes a successful image and successful basic projects.
The Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are interconnected in terms of security. Germany focuses on the threat from Russia to Ukraine and the conflict in the Indo-Pacific. China and North Korea back Russia. Europe watches with unease the cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea in the face of a possible conflict in Taiwan. The use of hybrid tactics and cyberattacks is also a concern. France seeks strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific, while the UK and Poland see China as the main systemic rival.
In June 2019, the EU and the US agreed on a tariff truce and numerous cross-border trade reductions. The agreement received criticism for being asymmetric and not legally binding. Tensions continue due to future increases in tariffs. The EU is seeking to strengthen global competitiveness.
The military parade in Beijing commemorated the victory in World War II, showcasing the might of the People’s Liberation Army. World leaders witnessed the parade of tanks and missiles, while Trump criticized Xi and Putin and Kim Jong Un attended, evidencing the shift in tone and authoritarian alliances. The parade highlighted China’s military modernization and its ambition to lead a new world order.
The French Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a motion of no confidence that could be the first to overthrow a head of government of the Fifth Republic. With an unpopular budget and political fragility, Bayrou opts for a vote of confidence but faces unfavorable parliamentary arithmetic, which could result in his eventual departure and a challenge for President Macron.
